Flat spring actuating mechanism for plunger-type switch

An actuating mechanism for a plunger-type switch having alternative open and closed conditions and having a plunger moveable between an extended position and a retracted position whereby said switch condition is changed by the movement of the plunger;

• said actuating mechanism comprising:
• (a) a housing having an upper surface a lower surface, a switch receiving cavity formed therein and a slot extending therethrough;
• said switch receiving cavity formed adjacent a first end of said slot and sized to receive a plunger type switch whereby a switch received in the switch receiving cavity is positioned generally adjacent a first end of said slot such that the switch plunger in the extended position extends into said slot when the plunger is in the extended position;
• and
• (b) a spring having a first spring end, a second spring end and a middle portion;
• said spring being positioned within said slot such that said first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the switch receiving cavity whereby said first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the switch plunger of a plunger-type switch received within said switch receiving cavity when the plunger is in the extended position;
• said middle portion of said spring bows above said housing upper surface and said second spring end engages said housing at a second end of said slot;
• said spring being compressible through the application of a force to said middle portion of said spring and directed toward said housing upper surface to advance said first spring end toward said switch receiving cavity and upon removal of the force said first spring end advances away from said switch receiving cavity whereby advancement of said first spring and toward said switch receiving cavity advances the plunger of a plunger type switch received within said switch receiving cavity to the retracted position and advancement of said first spring and away from said switch receiving cavity allows the switch plunger to move to said extended position.